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MANILA, Philippines – The coronavirus pandemic may have disrupted everyday life for Filipinos, but it cannot help but slow down the Christmas spirit for Filipinos.
In accordance with public health protocols that are being implemented to stop the spread of the virus, the Philippine Conference of Catholic Bishops (CBCP) published the guidelines under Circular No. 20-82 of November 27 on the celebration of Masses. Aguinaldo, or the “Misa de Gallo”.
This means that Simbang Gabi or pre-dawn masses, which mark the start of the traditional Philippine Christmas season, will continue to reinforce social distancing, the use of face masks and a ban on mass gatherings.
While tradition has kept these Masses from December 16-24 to be celebrated at 4 a.m., this year’s Simbang Gabi Masses may begin at 6 p.m. the night before (anticipated mass), while the last Mass would be at 6 am
According to the CBCP, the bishops, in consultation with parish pastors and in coordination with the local government unit, could schedule more Simbang Gabi Masses in different venues that can be large enough to accommodate more people and still observe the social distancing.
The CBCP also encouraged live streaming of liturgical celebrations for those who would not be able to physically attend Masses.
The local bishop must also decide whether it is helpful to allow “anticipation” of the next day during the evening Masses of Simbang Gabi.
On Christmas Eve, the Christmas Vigil Mass can be celebrated starting at 6 p.m. and the last Mass on December 24 will have the liturgy of the Christmas Midnight Mass, said CBCP President Davao Archbishop Romulo Valleys
He added that the early Christmas mass can also be celebrated early in the morning on December 25.
Since kissing or touching images is still prohibited, Valles said families were encouraged to bring their familiar image of the baby Jesus during Christmas Masses.
Valles said it is “important not to lose sight of the basic components of the celebration, namely the Word of God and Holy Communion.”
Expect the faithful to see the “heart and essence” of the holiday season.
“The celebration of Christmas may be different this year. We will not have the same hectic and stressful preparations that we had before the pandemic. But we pray and help our faithful to see the heart and essence of the season in the simple, sober, silent but strong and loving truth of the God who comes to us in the incarnation of Jesus, ”Valles said in the circular.
EDV
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